Warner's Riches Rank Him Near Top

Virginia Sen. Mark R. Warner (D), who made a fortune in the communications industry, is the wealthiest freshman member of Congress, according to the Center for Responsive Politics.

According to Warner's financial disclosure report, he has assets ranging from $60.6 million to $415.1 million. On average, the recently elected members of the House of Representatives and the Senate are worth $1.8 million.

"The new blood in Congress is mostly blueblood," said Sheila Krumholz, executive director of the Center for Responsive Politics. "In this troubled and troubling economy, Congress remains short on lawmakers who can personally relate to what the average American is going through financially."

Warner is now the second wealthiest member of the Senate, according to CRP. Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) ranks first, listing assets ranging from $284.1 million to $388.3 million.

Kerry is married to Teresa Heinz Kerry, heiress of the Heinz Ketchup fortune.